Kimberly-Clark has announced a new Kleenex brand facial tissue designed to kill viruses that cause colds and the flu. Strong enough to stand up to a cold or flu virus, but gentle enough for everyday use, Kleenex Brand Anti-Viral tissue will begin shipping in late August and will be available at retail outlets throughout the United States by early October 2004.
The Anti-Viral tissue uses a patented, three-ply tissue with a moisture-activated middle layer that is treated with an anti-viral formula. When moisture from a cough or sneeze hits the middle layer, it begins working immediately, ultimately killing 99.9% of cold and flu viruses* in the tissue within 15 minutes. The formula is made from citric acid and sodium lauryl sulphate, common ingredients found in everyday consumer products. Citric acid is used as a flavouring agent in soft drinks, while sodium lauryl sulphate is found in many shampoos and detergents.
Most consumers don't realize that colds and the flu traditionally spread in different ways. Cold viruses are generally transferred through the hands when we touch something or someone infected with these germs and then touch our mouth, nose and eyes. Flu viruses, however, are usually transmitted through droplets coughed or sneezed into the air.